Faro Dolphin and Wildlife Watching Tour: Combining Scientific Research with Local Fauna Exploration

Our primary objective is to bridge the gap between science and tourism by offering boat tours meant for observing wildlife and simultaneously gathering data for research purposes. On this expedition, you will gain insight into our local wildlife and understand our methods of studying these creatures.

Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • R. da Comunidade Lusíada 4b - Explore the Atlantic in search of marine wildlife with Marine Biologists on board, and learn more about dolphins in their natural habitat. Discover different species of cetaceans, birds and other marine life in an exciting experience in the Algarve !

Departing from Faro, you will be able to enjoy the landscape of Ria Formosa Natural park while we cruise towards the Atlantic ocean. When outside, the guides will look out for different wildlife, specially for cetaceans!
There are great chances to see dolphins like the Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) or the Common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) and if your are lucky we can even spot Orcas or whales.

During this trip you will also be able to spot different species of marine birds like the Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus), Shearwaters and Storm Petrels!

It is also common to see some other animals such as the Ocean Sunfish (Mola mola), Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus) and some species of sharks or marine turtles.

After spotting a group of cetaceans, our team of Marine biologists will provide information about the animals and also collect data for research before we head back to Faro.

What's Included
  • Lifejackets provided for safety
  • Guided tours led by marine biologists
Location
Ginásio Clube Naval
Estrada do Passeio Ribeirinho
At Faro harbour look out for Santa Maria Petisca Ria until you reach the flags. Over there look for the (middle) store with Ocean Vibes logo (you should notice some dolphins on the outside).
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(426 Ratings)
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Shirinnurshan_r
Aug 24, 2024
Highly recommended tour - The tour guides were very mindful of not cornering the animals unlike other companies. They also removed trash from the ocean several times. We saw common and bottlenose dolphins, it was an awesome experience! Since we were there in August, we didnt spot bigger whales but that was made clear from the beginning. All and all there are no complains, i can only highly recommend this tour if you care about the ocean and marine wildlife
Review provided by Viator
Tania_s
Aug 20, 2024
Great experience - Informative and fun experience, highly recommendable! Will definitely go again. Great staff providing information
Review provided by Viator
Kira_p
Aug 17, 2024
Gorgeous experience - The Guides did an excellent job! We got to see many dolphins and throughout the entire tour they always respected the dolphins and followed the given rules. We got to know more about the dolphins and there habits. I'd absolutely recommend this experience
Review provided by Viator
960cedr
Aug 15, 2024
Guide to the Top - Super boat semi rigid.group of 10. The guides did not let go...and we were able to observe dolphins at the end of the excursion. That was great.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sparkle_stephanie
Aug 7, 2024
1 exhilirating boat ride, 2 excellent guides and 3 types of dolphin. - With a friend coming to visit, I did a lot of research into the various options for dolphin watching from Faro. I was attracted to Ocean Vibes Algarve because of the marine biology aspect to the company and knowing that the ticket fees would be used for a good cause. We were not disappointed! Our guides were excellent. They started off by managing our expectations, saying that there is never a guarantee of seeing anything and gently reminding us that there are rules that must be followed when we go and "invade" the dolphins' space. In the event we saw all three types of dolphin known to be in that part of the Atlantic and we only ever saw one other boat in the same place at the same time (and at a respectful distance) so it really felt like we were on a private tour. The guides were so knowledgeable which meant we weren't just getting a Wikipedia spiel, they were telling us their personal observations from observing these dolphins day in day out. The thing that really stood out was the guides' attitude. We'd been told the approximate time that we would be heading back to Faro but on the way back we came across a huge number of dolphins all crowding around the trawlers to feed. They slightly delayed our return to give us time to experience this even though they were well within their rights to take us back. I wouldn't hesitate to join a tour with this company again or to recommend it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
498mailac
Aug 7, 2024
You must try this experience ! - There are many tours that offer this kind of experience but I think that do that with a biologists is a plus! All guys are very expert and passionate. They really like their job and it possible to feel that during the tour. We spotted also whales and it was amazing! I really suggest to everybody Oceanvibes!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
585raphaellec
Aug 6, 2024
Very good time! - I had a great time, the guides were very accessible, smiling and competent. It was exciting to hear them share their knowledge. We had the chance to see whales 🐳 and dolphins 🐬. Thank you very much, I recommend!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marlete
Aug 6, 2024
Wonder! - If you want to live a magical moment at sea by seeing dolphins, it is with Pedro and Ines that you will live these moments of joy and wonder. A human-sized boat of about 12 people, explanations about dolphins and marine mammals, clear and informative. A joyful, warm, environmentally and sea-friendly sea walk with happy moments when we finally saw a family of dolphins for several minutes and followed from afar: it was beautiful and moving! Thank you! I strongly advise if you are looking for authenticity.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tania_s
Aug 2, 2024
Great experience and well done tour! - Did the Dolphin Tour with 2 teens, who greatly enjoyed it. Inez and Pedro were great guides, we can highly recommend this tour! Saw lots of dolphins, they came really close and being out on the sea is a highlight in itself.
Review provided by Viator
Emma_c
Jul 28, 2024
Fantastic trip with wonderful guides! - This was a fantastic trip! We were a family of 5, with 3 teenage boys, and we all thoroughly enjoyed it! We saw lots of dolphins swimming, leaping and interacting really close to the boat, in 2 different locations, and we also saw a hammerhead shark! Our guides, Alfredo and Susana, were brilliant - very knowledgeable, passionate, enthusiastic and really helpful and friendly - thank you so much! Thoroughly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
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up to 8 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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